Kent star Sam Billings has all the raw ingredients to be an international star in the coming years, according to England wicketkeeping rival Jos Buttler.

The 23-year-old has been included in a 14-man squad for the five-match Royal London ODI series against New Zealand beginning on Tuesday at Edgbaston, where he will compete with Buttler for a position behind the stumps.

The Kent Cricket Academy graduate from Pembury is the only uncapped member of the squad, led by Eoin Morgan, which includes fellow international novices Mark Wood, Jason Roy and David Willey.

While many have predicted it will be a straight shoot-out between Billings and Buttler for the wicketkeeper position, the current England No.1 believes the pair can feature in the same side and that their respective styles would complement the England batting line-up.

Buttler said: "“Sam is an exciting wicketkeeper and when you’re in possession of the gloves there are people who want them off you,

“It’s the same when I’m on the outside; you look at who’s in that position and you want to out-do them.

“Sam is someone who I think could play as a batsman as well. I played a lot with and against him growing up through the age groups as well so I’m excited to be in the squad and hopefully play with him.

“I watched him a lot on TV last year and he had a fantastic Royal London One Day Tournament. I think the style of batting is something which really excited me in the way he goes about it.”

There is currently fierce competition regarding who will act as Buttler’s deputy; not only in the One Day arena but also on the Test stage.

Yorkshire’s Jonny Bairstow has long been the understudy in the five-day game behind first Matt Prior and now Buttler – but with pressure from Billings, the current England wicketkeeper believes current competition is strong.

“Jonny Bairstow’s record has been consistent ever since he started playing for Yorkshire. He’s an excellent player and excellent wicket keeper.

“There is so much competition presently, especially when you consider the form and progression of Sam as well.

“I think what you get with English cricket now is that there is a lot of competition for places.

“Jonny is obviously still in contention. He was on the West Indies tour so he’s right in the forefront of everyone’s minds.

“In the wicketkeeping role I’ve got to make sure I perform well enough so he doesn’t come knocking for my place, just like I’m having do with Sam in One Day cricket.

“Jonny Bairstow played a lot of test matches as a batsman only as well. He’s a fantastic cricketer and I’m sure he’s got a lot of international cricket ahead of him.”

Jos Buttler was speaking at the launch of the Royal London Gilbert Cup, a new grassroots U11 cricket tournament. www.royallondoncricket.com